Plumbing

10 Common Plumbing Issues for Commercial Properties and How to Solve Them

If you’re a business owner or property manager, you know how crucial it is to maintain your commercial plumbing system in good condition. Plumbing issues can disrupt your daily operations, damage your property, and cause safety hazards for your staff and customers. Therefore, being in contact with competent commercial plumbers in Melbourne is crucial, so you have expert support when in need. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the 10 most common plumbing issues commercial properties face and how to solve them.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are common in commercial properties, particularly in restrooms and kitchens, where hair, soap, food scraps, and other debris can accumulate. These can cause severe issues forcing you to call for 24/7 emergency plumbing services, such as this emergency plumber in Bellingham, WA. To prevent clogs, regularly clean the drain filters or screens, and avoid pouring grease, oil, and solid waste down the drains. You can use a plunger or a drain snake if the drain is already clogged. For more stubborn or severe clogs, a professional commercial plumber in Melbourne may use a hydro jet or other specialised equipment to clear the pipes.

Leaking Faucets

A leaking faucet is annoying and can waste significant water and increase your water bill. Worn-out washers, O-rings, loose connections, or corroded pipes cause most leaks. To fix the leak, turn off the water supply to the faucet, remove the handle, and replace the faulty part. If you don’t feel comfortable attempting a DIY repair on a tap, or if the tap is old or damaged, it’s best to call a professional commercial plumber to fix or replace it. Although a DIY fix may seem appealing, it can result in additional problems if not executed correctly. By opting the help of a water leak detection company experts, you can rest assured that the job will be handled effectively, as they possess the requisite knowledge, experience, and tools. This approach helps to prevent costly repairs in the future, making it the best choice.

Running Toilets

A running toilet can waste gallons of water daily, driving up your water bill. Most running toilets are caused by a faulty flapper or fill valve, which allows water to leak from the tank to the bowl continuously. You can replace the flapper or fill the valve, adjust the chain or float, or clean the valve seat to fix the issue. If the problem persists, a plumbing expert in Melbourne can diagnose and fix the root cause, such as a clogged or damaged sewer line.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can frustrate employees and customers and may indicate a problem with the plumbing system or the water supply. Common reasons for low water pressure are a clogged aerator or shower head, a leak in the pipes, a faulty pressure regulator, or a problem with the municipal water supply. Commercial plumbing services near your place can diagnose the issue and recommend the appropriate solution, such as cleaning or replacing the aerator, repairing or replacing the pipes, or adjusting the pressure regulator.

Water Heater Issues

Water heaters are crucial for commercial properties that need hot water for their operations. Common water heater issues include inadequate heating, noisy operation, leaks, and sediment buildup. To maintain your water heater, regularly flush the tank to remove sediment, check the temperature and pressure relief valve, and replace the anode rod. If the water heater is old, damaged, or inefficient, a commercial plumber in Melbourne can recommend a replacement and install a new one.

Burst Pipes

Burst pipes are a severe plumbing issue that can cause significant damage to your property, disrupt your operations, and pose safety hazards to your employees and customers. Common causes of burst pipes include freezing temperatures, water pressure spikes, corrosion, and physical damage. Turn off the main water supply immediately if you suspect a burst pipe. Call a plumber who performs gutter replacement and installation services in Melbourne to inspect and repair the damage. Depending on the severity and location of the burst pipe, the plumber may need to replace a section of the pipe, reroute the water line, or install a new pipe altogether.

Sewer Line Blockages

Sewer line blockages occur when there is an obstruction in the sewer line, preventing wastewater from flowing freely. The blockage can be due to various factors, such as tree roots growing into the pipes, the buildup of grease and fats, or foreign objects flushed down the toilet. If left unaddressed, sewer line blockages can cause sewage backups, leading to property damage, unpleasant odours, and potential health hazards. Commercial plumbers in Melbourne can locate and clear the blockage using specialised equipment such as a sewer camera or hydro-jetting machine.

Back flow Prevention

Back flow is the reverse water flow from a building’s plumbing system into the public water supply. It can happen when the pressure in the public water supply drops below the pressure in the building’s plumbing system, causing contaminated water to flow back into the public water supply. It is a severe health hazard, as it can degrade the public water supply with hazardous chemicals or substances. Licensed commercial plumbers in Melbourne can install backflow preventers to prevent this from happening. This device ensures that water flows in one direction only and prevents contaminated water from flowing back into the public water supply.

Grease Trap Maintenance

Grease traps capture grease and oil from commercial kitchen wastewater before entering the sewer system. They are essential for preventing blockages in the sewer line and reducing the risk of sewage backups. However, the grease trap can get clogged and cause foul odours if it isn’t clean. A licensed commercial plumber can inspect and clean the grease trap to ensure it functions properly and prevent any potential issues.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are a common problem in cold climates, especially in winter. When the water in the pipes freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the pipes and potentially causing them to burst. It can cause water damage and cost you a lot of money to fix. Insulating the pipes and keeping the indoor temperatures above freezing can save you from frozen pipes. If the pipes are already frozen, a commercial plumber can help thaw them using a hairdryer or space heater, but it’s essential to do this slowly to avoid damaging the pipes.

Takeaway

You may experience significant disruptions to your business if you experience commercial plumbing issues. By understanding these common problems and taking preventive measures, you can avoid costly repairs and ensure the smooth operation of your business. If you need professional commercial plumbing services in Footscray for your commercial property, don’t hesitate to contact NLK Plumbing, a licensed and experienced plumber.

 

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